Catalina - Tue Aug 14 to Wed Aug 22

Tue August 14  -  Marina Del Rey

I met Vook (sp?) originally from South Africa. He is in his late 20s, with sun bleached hair and a cool accent and a friendly demeanor. He filled me in on the low income boat anchorage just outside the breakwater and all the crazy characters worthy of a reality TV show. Vook got a job as cook on a private 120’ catamaran (Sea Quest) with its own submarine (very cool). They were also heading for Catalina but we never saw them.

I rode my folding mountain bike along the Venice boardwalk to the Santa Monica Pier. It’s Murphy’s Law that I didn’t bring my camera because there were “Kodak moments.”  One photo would have been of the swami on rollerblades playing an electric guitar - he has been there since I was a kid (at least 30 years). I also would have video taped the double jointed break dancers. Venice beach is always fun to watch the performers and stroll the beach.

Wed Aug 15 – Family arrived Marina Del Rey.

The family arrived today and moved back into the boat. Its crowded again after being alone but its always nice to see the family. Unfortunately my stomach is off which may be a touch of the flu – nothing bad but it lasted 3 days. We got groceries, did laundry, and prepared for departure tomorrow.

Thur Aug 16 – Marina Del Rey to Catalina (Cherry Cove)

We departed Marina Del Rey at 7am and motored about 2 hours until the wind filled in about 9am off Palos Verdes Peninsula. We were visited by dolphins briefly which is always exciting. Sailed on a beam reach at 5 knots for 4 hours with only a 1-2 foot swell. The family was queasy but it was a perfect sail. We arrived Cherry Cove and tied to a mooring ($42-ouch) near the rocks. Did some snorkeling and relaxed for the afternoon.

Fri Aug 17 – Catalina (moved from Cherry cove to Emerald Bay)

The Levin family arrived at 9 am on their 40’ powerboat (“Chaos”) which I loving refer to as the “stink pot” since it burns so much fuel relative to a sailboat(sorry Aaron). Cherry cove was full so we moved to Emerald Bay which is slightly more exposed and not knowing better motored right over a reef luckily without hitting.  Emerald cove has beautiful green/blue water (due to the sandy bottom), a nice sandy beach, and an outer rock (Indian Rock) and reef for protected snorkeling. We spent much time visiting with the Levin’s on their “stinkpot” because of their relative massive boat space…and charming personalities of course.

“The Pudding Story”  (Don’t read this paragraph if sensitive to potty humor)

                I avoided telling this gross story when it first occurred but I have been encouraged to do so. So I told the Levin family about our little toilet issue just prior to arriving in San Francisco. Somehow the valve to pump out the pee container was left open so salt water filled the pee container and then overflowed into the poop container. So instead of a peat moss mix of poop with little moisture we had a toilet full of a black poop soup. Someone, who remains nameless but was a top suspect, had to scoop some of the “soup” out so it could be used until it could be properly emptied and cleaned upon arrival in SF. The Levin’s dubbed the mess as a “pudding” which made the story even more gross and has since been a point of humor.  

Sat Aug 18 – Emerald Cove

We began the day with a snorkel trip via dingy to Indian Rocks which are just on the outside of Emerald Cove.  Snorkeling was great with light wetsuits amongst thick kelp, Gerabaldi (protected orange state fish), and other small fish. Later Maya and I dingied to the beach and relaxed under umbrella in the hot sun. Dylan played with Avery with the kayaks and along the surf. It was a perfect day of beach and water time.

Sun Aug 19 – Emerald Cove

More swimming and beach time today. Wanting to experience female power, Maya tried the spear gun. She asked if I could try to shoot a fish that was below the boat. With little success lets just say the fish are safe from us.  The wind picked up a bit today so my family retreated to the stinkpot while I took the Levin’s out for a 2 hour sail. We had a beautiful sail at 5 knots while the Levin’s adjusted to life on a healing sailboat. It was their first sailing experience and had a great time helping tack and steer. Young Avery and Rene made great great crew. Papa Aaron was the perfect tourist with camera and ironed  dress shirt and Mama Debbie was sliding across the aft bench as we healed. I noticed that they stayed out of the head after the “pudding story.” 

Mon Aug 20 – Emerald Cove to Cherry Cove

“Chaos” and “Mariah” moved from Emerald Cove to Cherry Cove about 9 am. As we set out to explore by kayak, Aaron pointed out some flotsam along the shore. It ended up being a deflated and swamped inflatable tow toy for  4 people. I spent the next hour draining the water and salvaging the beast. I moved it to our deck to sort later. We next planned to dingy to the Isthmus with the Levins but the dingy wouldn’t start. After 2 hours work I was able to “mickey mouse” a fuel problem. We missed Debbie’s departure by ferry back to her work while her family stayed behind on Chaos.  We motored to the Ithsmus and strolled the ½ mile to Catalina Harbor on the other side of the Isthmus. It’s a dusty walk with cactus and sparse shrubs but no Buffalo to be seen.

Tue Aug 21 – Cherry Cove to Avalon

The Levins departed on “Chaos” for home while we motored against mild headwinds for 3 hours to famous Avalon harbor. There was a Carnival cruise ship anchored offshore so the small island community was filled with tourists. It was a hot day ashore without  the cooling breeze at anchor so we all got shaved iced and visited some of the shops. We then returned to Mariah where I patched and resurrected the inflatable tow toy which is actually a quite comfortable floating island. It would have been great on the Delta and earlier at Emerald Cove but beggars…. Another toy to store in the V birth.

Rented and watched Sherlock Holmes 2 in the evening. 

Wed Aug 22 – Avalon, Maya’s Birthday!!!

Strolled the shore and I completed my mission of finding a painted tile with fish scene to mount in the head (need to install still).   Will find a restaurant this afternoon to celebrate Maya’s birthday. I hope to eat a famous Avalon buffalo burger. Rented Hunger Games for tonight.

Thur Aug 23 – Return from Avalon to Marina Del Rey

Departed 7am and motored for 3 hours under high fog until wind increased and we were able to sail the remaining 5 hours. (8 hour total). Another great sailing day with calm seas. We sailed past a school of sea lions which couldnt keep up with us. We are back at Chase Park in Marina Del Rey for 2 days to visit family. Cheers from SoCal, Ken

Aug 8 to 14 – San Francisco to Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Marina Del Rey

Aug 8 to 14 – San Francisco to Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Marina Del Rey

Erick and Geoff arrived at “Mariah” in Aquatic Park SF as my new crew to brave the trip from San Francisco to Southern California. We departed casually Wed 8/8 with the tide and before the wind filled in. We had a bumpy but fast overnight ride to Monterey arriving at dawn Thursday. Believe it or not, we surfed Mariah on brief spurts down swells regularly to 9 knots(per GPS) and actually hit 11.4 knots under reduced sail. Considering Mariah has only a 28 foot waterline and cruises at 5-6 knots, those brief surf speeds were awesome.

Departing SF

Speed over ground (SOG)-Yahoo!!

After a bumpy passage, which seems par for the course, we were all a little queasy and happy to be back on land again.  Geoff found wifi and spent most of the day being work productive online. He also is training for the Alcratraz swim so went for a swim in the bay. Erick and I had a great breakfast at a café and walked around the historic path around town. We discussed his first real sailing experience and getting sea legs…he had it the worst but he is a tough cookie and hung in there.  I had no idea Monterey has such history and historic buildings. I haven’t seen Erick in years so it was great catching up.

Monterey

Geoff working hard

Erick trapped in the "cave"

We departed the next morning, Friday, from Monterey for Santa Barbara. This was to be a night passage which was bumpy but getting less daily. We rounded Point Conception at dusk out of view of land under calm conditions. Again we arrived at dawn on Sunday. Geoff jumped ship to catch a bus home to SF. Erick spent the day with his family who drove up from the LA area and I worked on the boat and strolled beautiful Santa Barbara beaches and pier. I Had a great fish and chips lunch on the pier.

Geoff (left) departs from Santa Barbara

Departing Santa Barbara for Marina Del Rey

Sunning Seals

Erick and I departed Santa Barbara Monday morning for our last overnight passage to Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles. It was a great warm, sunny sail with calm seas…FINALLY! We sailed within view of Rincon Beach where my family was camping with my sister and dad.  Around the same time, we were treated to multiple visits by dolphins jumping at the bow. We texted and talked to my family on the phone as we sailed by with spinnaker  flying. We sailed through the night until about 2 am when I grew tired of sailing at 2 knots. Under power we were able to arrive at Marina Del Rey at sunrise, Tuesday. After scrubbing down Mariah, she looked cleaner that ever however I found a small snake in the cockpit (I hope it can swim and was a loner). Erick took a bus home while I fiddle around the boat and await my families arrival tomorrow, Wednesday. We will set off for Catalina on Thursday for one week.

Cheers for now. Smooth sailing to all, Ken

Stowaway-Yikes!!!

Arriving smoggy but warm Los Angeles

SF and Delta Doo Dah with family

Thursday-July 26 Family in San Francisco

Anchored in Aquatic Park near Fisherman’s Wharf. Walked with the family to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 in the morning. Checked out the shops. There was a candy store with massive versions of gummy bears, rice krispy treats, etc. Maya bought some T-shirts and we bought some cheap sun glasses. I had my “In n Out” burger…yum.  Walked back to the car (minivan) and drove to Twin Peaks for the view and to Lombard street where it curves sharply (car line was too long so we walked it). Dave and his wife Trisha visited that evening on the boat then Dave took our minivan home for storage.

Friday - July 27  Sail to Angel Island and to Berkley Marina

We sailed from Aquatic Park to out under the Golden Gate Bridge and on to Angel Island. Hiked to the top of the mountain but this time it was foggy and the view was pretty limited.  Then sailed to Berkley Marina for the beginning of the Delta Doo Dah (Regatta of 50 sailboats up the Delta). We attended the first of many Yacht Club Visits and Meals. After dinner, there were announcements and introductions from each captain.

Saturday - July 28 Berkley Marina to Vallejo.

Sailed about 6 hours from Berkley to Vallejo. Tried out the Spinnaker in light winds but when they started to gust it was a struggle to pull the sock over the sail. Was able to do my laundry for the first time in 3 weeks since leaving Seattle. Met some more Doo Dah’ers and enoyed the pool table upstairs at the Yacht club.

Sunday – July 29 Vallejo to Sugar Barge Resort

Sailed downwind for 8 hours in warm sunny breezes. Was delayed for about an hour waiting to assist, if needed, SV Septer who drifted onto the rocks when his jib sheet wrapped his prop. Another boat was able to pull him off the rocks with minimal scrapes but needed a tow into the marina until his prop was cleared. We were tired after a long day of sailing so went to bed soon after arriving.

Monday – July 30 Day at the beach near Sugar Barge

Peter Yates organized his annual beach party for Delta Doo Dah’ers and included rum drinks, stand up paddle boards (SUPs) and water ski/wake board rides. We were ferried to the beach by an old military transport vessel with twin diesels that actually split in half for transport. We found one of the few shady spots on the beach to relax away from the day’s heat. Dylan enjoyed playing on the floating island with the other kids. Vinnie and I did wake boarding, Maya was pulled in an tow inflatable, and all of us tried the stand up paddleboards. All in all a great day at the beach. Back at the Sugar Barge on the roof deck played a band that night, and as I went to sleep outside in the cockpit I heard a Dixieland band playing.

 

Tuesday – July 31 Sugar Barge to King Island Resort

Motored for 5 hours to King Island resort who threw us a Luau Party complete with roasted pig. Luckily we were seated in the shade. Another band played oldies. I chose the pork which was bland but I heard the chicken was great. Another great day on the Delta.

Wednesday /Thursday– August 1+2  King Island Resort to Potato Slough (bedroom 2)

Motored about 2 hours to Potato Slough where we anchored for 2 nights. I spent 6 hours tearing apart the wind generator which stopped working due to friction (shaft rubbing) which eventually worked after shimming the bearing mount-whew!  Kayak, swam and had water fights for the next 2 hot days (air 80s and 90s, water was about 75). Thursday at sunset we rafted the dingies, shared drinks and snacks, and sang some classics to a guitarist. This was my favorite event because it was so simple; refreshments, new friends, and entertainment all while the sun was setting and the full moon was rising. Later that night some of us gathered on a catamaran until midnight where the men swapped sailing stories outside in the huge cockpit while the ladies “cackled” inside to “who knows what.” Great day Thursday of warmth, water activities, and new friends.

Friday - Aug 3 Potato Slough to Owl Harbor

Stayed in Potato Slough until 2pm then motored about 2 hours to Owl Harbor where they threw us a “New Orleans Style” Dinner and Party. Dinner included some wonderful ribs and Italian Ice for dessert.  The Band was funky and played into the night under a big tent with room for picnic tables and a dance floor (grass). It was strange that the boats were behind the levee that we ate below, so we were actually located under the boat keels. 

Saturday /Sunday – August 4+5 Owl Harbor back to San Francisco

Dave arrived with our minivan about 8am and we loaded all the family’s stuff and the kayaks. We all stayed for the pancake breakfast then the family set off on their long drive to San Diego while Dave and I set off with “Mariah” back toward San Francisco. During breakfast there was thunder and a brief downpour which was indicative of the changing weather to come (windy and cooler). Dave and I motored with the tide and made good time for about 6 hours until the wind piped up to 25 knots on the nose and we slowed to 2 knots. We ducked into Harris Marina which was kinda run down but met our needs. It felt like being in Mexico because of the dusty winds, run down condition of the Marina, complete with Mexican food carts. It was fun in a third world way. Dave and I took a walk around town which looked safe enough with all the police cars circling and found a nice wetlands park to stroll.  SV “Miss Conduct” also pulled in soon after and we had a nice chat.  We left at 6:30am Sunday to catch the tide which propelled us back to San Francisco in about 7 hours where we anchored back at Aquatic Park where Dave got a ride home.

Monday – Aug 6  Anchored at Aquatic Park in San Francisco

Being on my own today, it was time to do some cleaning and maintenance. Changed the engine oil and emptied the composting head which was getting ripe. Also vacuumed and did some electrical work. All in all a productive day. An 80’s retro radio station kept me company.